Amazon Greenlights Two Kids-Targeted Series

Amazon will add to its kids-targeted programming portfolio with the development of two new series, Pete The Cat and Costume Quest, the company said Monday.

The animated Pete The Cat, based on the award-winning book series by illustrator/creator James Dean that follows a cat and his groovy guide to life, will debut a 14-episode first season sometime in 2018, said Amazon. Costume Quest, an animated series based on the video game series of the same name, will target six to 11 year olds, said company officials.

“The creative talent behind Pete the Cat and Costume Quest have a sensibility and pedigree that will resonate well with our customers,” said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios in a statement.“ We are thrilled to be working with such innovative and visionary thinkers in the business.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.